A black-and-white vintage style bathroom is a timeless and elegant choice. The classic color combination evokes a sense of old-world charm and sophistication. When designed well, a black-and-white bathroom can be breathtakingly beautiful. In this week’s featured bathroom, we take a look at how to incorporate vintage elements into a black-and-white color scheme for a stunning result.
Incorporating Vintage Style
There are several ways to give a bathroom a vintage vibe:
Use Black and White Hexagon Floor Tiles
Hexagon-shaped floor tiles have been popular since the Victorian era. Using black and white tiles in this unique shape immediately gives a vintage feel. Opt for a graphic pattern or mix up sizes for interest. Sleek black grout lines accentuate the hexagons.
Add a Clawfoot Tub
Clawfoot tubs with their curved feet are iconic vintage bathroom fixtures. A freestanding tub serves as a striking focal point. Position it under a window to create a spa-like vibe. Choose a tub with feet in a finish like oil-rubbed bronze for contrast.
Install Subway Tile
Subway tile in white is a classic choice that has been used in bathrooms for over a century. Use it on walls, as a backsplash, or even on the floor. Black grout provides definition and enhances the geometric look. Delicate black trim can accent it beautifully.
Source Vintage-Style Fixtures
Look for fixtures like faucets, shower heads, and lighting that have a nod to past eras. Aged brass, crystal accents, and traditional shapes have an instant vintage appeal. Check antique stores or reproduction lines.
Add Architectural Details
Consider adding vintage-style architectural elements like wainscoting, ornamental moldings, or a chair rail. Monochrome black and white checkerboard tile floors also have an antiquated look. Rich woods like mahogany can accent nicely.
Create Contrast
Don’t be afraid to mix finishes. Glossy and matte black surfaces paired with polished white fixtures and metals create striking contrast. A vintage style often combines elements from varying periods for an eclectic, collected look.
How to Pull Off the Black-and-White Aesthetic
When working with just two colors, getting the right balance is key for an appealing space:
Use Black as an Accent
Black can feel dominant or heavy if overused. Employ it thoughtfully as accents against crisp white. Black tile floors or walls create contrast beside white fixtures. Use black for details like framing a mirror or vanity legs.
Add Pops of Black Accessories
Warm up all the white with black rolled towels, soap dispensers, trays, or tumblers. Replace metal finishes on faucets and lighting with matte black. Use black and white art, prints, or photography for personality.
Choose Textures Carefully
Keep most surfaces smooth and sleek. Save textured elements like wicker baskets, linen curtains, or cotton bath mats for texture. Checkerboard tile floors add graphic interest. Stick to unpatterned walls.
Play with Scale
Introduce a sense of drama by varying sizes. Oversized floor tiles contrast with narrow subway wall tiles. Choose a generous tub or drum-shaped pendant lighting. Add interest with a small-scale chair or delicate prints.
Incorporate Wood Tones
Warm up the space and tie in vintage style with natural wood touches. Floating wood shelving, woven baskets, framed mirrors, shutters, or an antique wood stool add organic appeal. Mahogany and oak work well.
Try Bold Black Ceilings
For serious drama, consider painting the ceiling black. It creates impact against white walls. For less commitment, use black panels or beams against a white ceiling. Glossy black lacquer is ultra-modern.
Bathroom of the Week: A Stunning Black-and-White Example
This exquisite bathroom designed by deVol Kitchens shows how compelling the black-and-white color scheme can be when done right:
Hexagon Floor Tiles
The graphic black and white marble hexagon tiles ground the space and provide an intricate geometric base. Their scale makes the room feel grand.
Clawfoot Tub
A freestanding clawfoot tub takes center stage, positioned by a sunny window. Its traditional shape fits the vintage style.
Subway Wall Tiles
Row upon row of white subway wall tile provides a clean and classic backdrop. Black grout unifies the look.
Vintage Details
Ornate vintage faucets, mirror frames, sconces, and plumbing add old-world personality and charm.
Mixed Metals
Polished gold, antique brass, chrome, and matte black finishes mix for eclectic contrast. Touches of wood add warmth.
Bold Black Ceiling
The unexpected black ceiling makes a huge impact. It adds drama and height to balance the graphic floors.
The overall effect is glamorous yet relaxed. This bathroom proves a black-and-white color palette can be simultaneously vintage and modern when thoughtfully composed. The allure is timeless. Keep this stunning space in mind when designing your own black-and-white vintage style bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color should I paint my bathroom walls for a vintage look?
Crisp white walls serve as the perfect neutral backdrop in a black-and-white vintage bathroom. White allows the other elements like tile, fixtures, and accents really stand out.
What kind of tile works best for a vintage bathroom floor?
Hexagon shaped or subway tiles in black and white are classic vintage choices. Checkerboard tile floors also exude an old-world feel.
What are some budget-friendly ways to get a vintage look?
Affordable ways to add vintage style include sourcing antique-inspired faucets or lighting fixtures, installing subway tile, hanging framed black-and-white prints, and adding touches like a clawfoot tub, shutters, or woven baskets.
Should I mix black and white with other colors?
While a pure black-and-white palette can work beautifully, it’s fine to incorporate small pops of color through accessories, art, greenery, towels or a patterned shower curtain. Just stick to one or two accent colors.
What should I know before installing a black ceiling?
Black ceilings make a huge visual impact but also need meticulous priming and painting. Evaluate moisture issues, install proper ventilation, and use mold/mildew resistant paint. Matte or ultra-glossy finishes work best.
How do I add texture to a black-and-white bathroom?
Weave in raw, organic textures like wood shelving, wicker baskets, linen curtains, wool rugs, or cotton towels. Painted beading, exposed brick or weathered wood also add visual interest.
Conclusion
A black-and-white color palette is an elegant, timeless choice that can make for a striking yet relaxing bathroom when thoughtfully composed. Blending vintage elements like clawfoot tubs, subway tile, and antique-style fixturing with graphic and modern touches results in a beautifully layered vintage style. Keep this monochromatic look fresh and lively by playing with scale, texture, and metals. With endless possibilities, you’re sure to end up with a bathroom that stands out as an elegant showstopper.
